Fortis exec talks cyber-security at Chamber lunch
The ever-growing threat of cyber-security was the topic du jour at the latest Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday.
Chief Information Officer of Fortis Inc. Phonse Delaney told those in attendance that malware and ransomware can affect any size of business.
“Cyber-security is a real threat, escalating a lot in recent months and years mainly enabled by cryptocurrencies and the ability for criminals to get paid,” he said.
When it comes to Fortis, the province’s primary provider of electricity, Delaney said they haven’t been subject to any attacks to date, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t taking preventative measures worth millions of dollars.
“Utilities have their customers’ personal information which we guard very securely,” he said. “As well, utilities have the grid and the grid is comprised of many digital industrial control systems. We have very strict standards in place that we abide by.”